Numata Takazo (1892-1961)

As an Army captain, Numata Takazo was the author of A New History of the Russo-Japanese Ground War (Nichiro Rikusen-shinsi) published in 1923. Commissioned to spur public interest in Japan in the war, it was regarded as more readable and accurate than the earlier official history.

Numata was chief of staff of 3 Army when war broke out. He subsequently became chief of staff of 2 Area Army at Menado.

Numata was visiting Biak on an inspection tour when the Americans invaded on 27 May 1944. As senior officer present, he took command of the defense and ordered the use of traditional Japanese tactics, but he left the island on 15 June 1944. After Numata's plan failed, the colonel left in charge, Kuzume Naoyuki, reverted to a defense in depth that proved costly to the Allies.

From December 1944 Numata was chief of staff to Southern Army at Saigon. He represented Terauchi, who was invalided by a stroke, at the ceremony surrendering all Japanese forces in southeast Asia. He later attributed much of the Allied success in the Burma theater to the high quality of air-ground cooperation.

Service record

References

Frank (2007; accessed 2011-7-23)

Fuller (1992)

Generals.dk (accessed 2007-12-1)

Pettibone (2007)

Romanus and Sunderland (1953; accessed 2011-7-23)

Smith (1952; accessed 2011-7-23)

Wolf and Steinberg (2007; accessed 2011-7-23)

The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2007, 2011 by Kent G. Budge. Index

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